Reem Acra Spring 2016

Reem Acra wants to take us to her world. And that she does in her spring 2016 collection.

Reem Acra’s world is a universe of rich fabrics, strong, bold colors, stunning embellishments, glamour, sophistication and style. Now, who wouldn’t want to relish this world? Very few would turn this world of beauty, glamour, mystery and seduction down. However, if this world of beauty were positioned only in Reem Acra’s Middle Eastern heritage the collection would only be a costumed homage.

For spring 2016 Reem Acra figured out how to translate her Middle Eastern world of seduction, beauty and romance into a distillation on fashionable garments that reflect a marriage of the worlds of Orientalism and modern exotic charm. And though some of the looks are a bit ‘Arabian Nights,’ the beauty of the garments outweighs the literal reference.

The short dresses and short culottes-like looks with plunging décolletage brought a youthful sexiness to this outing. Where Acra’s fall 2015 collection was all gypsy-inspired lushness with a nod toward Victorian imperiousness, this spring 2016 collection was solidly about feminine sensuality and glamour through a prism of certain type of Orientalism.

While Reem Acra’s shorter length garments were sexy and charming, true to form the real standouts of the collection were the gowns and longer dresses, some of which could function as red-carpet looks. And though fashion pundits may contend that this collection might have less retail viability, many fashionistas—particularly world traveling women—will adore this collection.

Additionally, by adding embroidered roped and metallic belts, Reem Acra added to the evolution of this collection from an Oriental homage to Scherazade and ‘Arabian Nights’ to a chic, sophisticated collection that would appeal to fashion world traveler. Standout looks in this collection were Reem Acra’s silk metallic print-embroidered blouson dress, strapless royal blue embroidered cotton dress with embroidered belts, mixed metallic chiffon floral print, gold embroidered dress layered over metallic blue pouf pant, and gold embroidered lace long sleeve caftan.

—William S.  Gooch